Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title HS 1710: Foundations of Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) ENGL 1117
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This course provides students with an introduction to the practice of substance use counseling by familiarizing them with basic substance use counseling theory, skills, and terminology. This course introduces students to the 12-core functions of an alcohol and drug counselor, treatment modalities, co-occurring disorders, and special populations in the counseling field. Physical, psychological, pharmacological, environmental, and social aspects of substance use disorders will also be discussed. Lastly, this course will discuss ethics, licensure requirements, background studies, and practicum placement.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2024

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Twelve core functions of an alcohol and drug counselor
  2. Trans-disciplinary foundations of alcohol and drug counseling
  3. Counseling theories
  4. Continuum of care and treatment modalities
  5. Process of change
  6. Pharmacological aspects of addiction
  7. Co-occurring disorders and their relationship to addictions
  8. Special counseling populations
  9. Ethical and legal aspects of addiction
  10. Internship/practicum role, standards and requirements
  11. Background study/check

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Evaluate the 12-core functions of an addiction counselor.
  2. Recognize core trans-disciplinary foundational chemical dependency concepts, skills, and theory.
  3. Recall psychopharmacological aspects of commonly abused drugs.
  4. Recognize symptoms of common substance use and mental health disorders.
  5. Examine ethical issues in counseling practice.
  6. Review addiction counselor laws, regulations, rules, guidelines, and standards.
  7. Identify potential internship and practicum sites.
  8. Describe internship rules, standards, and requirements.
  9. Illustrate successful job and internship interviewing strategies.
  10. Complete background study / check to evaluate practicum eligibility.
  11. Recognize appeals process for failed background check.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Communication
Students will communicate appropriately for their respective audiences.

Special Information (if any)

None